Jim and I made the short trip from our eastside home, to the westside of Indianapolis. We arrived at Bob Evans shortly before 9:00 a.m. There were already several members there milling around. Our Classics were catching the eye of several admirers as they stopped for breakfast. Once most everyone was there, George Maley, our tour guide of the day began to line us up to leave. B.JH. stayed behind to wait for any late comers.

We traveled through Danville, Bellville and Monrovia, taking the scenic route on the back roads, and onto Cataract Falls State Park. There we parked our cars and got out to view the Falls. By then what had started out as a chilly gray day was turning out to be a pleasant sunny day. The view of the falls with the backdrop of beautiful trees mesmerized everyone to the point that George had trouble getting us all back on track.

Our next stop was the Cataract general store, which has been in existence since 1860. It was a step back in time, with the wooden porch and old screen door. Inside we found wooden shelves lined with things like pottery and old cook ware. There was so much hanging on the walls; it was hard to focus on anyone thing. I do remember the pickle barrel, just what you would expect to see in an old general store. We didn’t really have much time to shop, because we had to be at the Hilltop for lunch a little sooner than originally planned. The 25 people that George had planned on in the beginning, turned our to be 52 people. So the Hill Top was making some adjustments in seating for us.

As we began to pull away from the General Store, Bob Titlows Vicki declined to start. Jim and I stayed behind to lend a hand. Ob knew exactly what her problem was, he had put in an old coil at the beginning of the trip. Once he changed the coils she started right up. Underway again, George’s directions to the Hilltop got us there in plenty of time to enjoy a wonderful lunch. We had salad, chicken, potatoes and gravy, green beans, beets and rolls. All served traditional family style. When we were all finished eating we returned to our cars to continue our trip. We were now headed for Spencer, Indiana to B.J. & George Maleys farm for dessert. Throughout this whole trip, we had seen some beautiful trees, but as we turned on the road that led to the Maley Farm, we saw a group f trees whose colors would just take you breath away. (I sure hope my pictures turn out)

I have to tell you that this farm was not like any other farm I had ever seen. Magnificent is the first word that comes to mind. The Maleys have 64 acres there. The house was built into the side of a hill. It sits on a small private lake surrounded by lovely woods, looking out from the deck we could see stunning fall colors of yellow, orange, red leather and purple. Truly a sight to remember. B.J. & George have a beautiful home, they designed and decorated it themselves. Each room was unique and yet it flowed into the next. The many bedrooms and bathrooms were very elegantly done. I loved the gourmet kitchen and the large open dining room. I think my favorite was the master bedroom with the sun porch and the Jacuzzi in the master bathroom. The entire house was peaceful, giving you a sense of calm. No one wanted to leave, it was a place you could curl up with a good book and stay for a long time. I almost forgot to mention the delicious array of deserts. We had pies, cakes, puddings, brownies and ice cream. Thank you to the Maley’s for a job well done. The day was most enjoyable and the farm is MAGNIFIENT.

I think it’s safe to say that everyone had a great time.